Everything You Need to Know To About Hair Breakage

The Highlights:

Hair breakage is the fracturing of hair strands at any point along the shaft. Fractures can travel up the shaft, causing split ends. This leads to shorter lengths and frizzy hair.
Hair breakage is different from hair loss. Hair loss is when the hair strands fall from the scalp faster than they regrow, causing your hair to become sparse over time.
Hair breakage can be caused by chemical treatments, harsh brushing or styling, lack of moisture, sun/environmental exposure, allergies, physical and mental health (nutrition, illness and stress).
To reverse hair breakage it's ideal to take a holistic approach, targeting the hair health directly, the scalp health, and the body/mind health overall.
To do this, adopt gentle hair care practices, select the right hair products, maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and try incorporating meditation into your daily routine to help manage stress levels.

Hair breakage can sneak up on you.

One day you might notice more hair than usual in your brush, or perhaps your hair doesn’t seem to grow past a certain length.

It’s not just about vanity. Our hair is a barometer for our overall well-being.

So when breakage occurs, it's not just your look that's at risk—it's a sign that your hair could be lacking essential care.

But, don't worry. We're your ally in the fight against brittle strands. With every word, you’ll gain insights into the root causes of breakage, preventive measures, and home remedies that can restore your hair's resilience.

Understanding Hair Breakage

What Is Hair Breakage?

At its core, hair breakage is the fracturing of hair strands at any point along the shaft, leading to shorter lengths and often resulting in a frizzy or unkempt appearance.

It’s a common misconception that hair breakage and hair loss are the same. However, while hair loss typically involves strands falling from the root, breakage is about the shaft itself being compromised.

Reasons for Hair Breakage

What causes hair loss and breakage? Some of these causes can contribute to hair breakage:

Excessive chemical treatments: Regularly dyeing, straightening, and curling your hair alters your hair's structure and leads to them eventually becoming more brittle and easier to break.
Harsh brushing: Wet hair is extremely fragile. If you're not gentle with removing tangles and knots, it could lead to more hair breakage.
Lack of moisture: Sulfate-filled shampoos are good for cleansing your scalp, but they strip hair of moisture. For a thorough (but better scalp cleanse), switch to a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo.
Certain hairstyles: Wearing tight ponytails and slick buns may look good in photos, but wearing them every day puts tension in your hair and scalp, leading to breakage and possibly, hair loss.

Other factors include a vitamin deficiency, which can lead to weakened hair structure, and gut health, which plays a surprising role in nutrient absorption for hair strength.

While we're on the topic of hair health, note that issues like hair loss aren't confined to the scalp, as some individuals might experience hair loss on other parts of the body, such as hair loss on the legs, which could be a sign of underlying health conditions or hormonal imbalances.

Spotting the Signs of Breakage

Hair breakage exhibits itself in various ways.

Split ends are the most recognised form, but many individuals find that hair breakage at the crown is particularly troublesome, as this area can be more visible and challenging to conceal.

If you're losing more strands than usual or your hair doesn't retain length, it's likely you're experiencing breakage.

The Ripple Effect on Hair Health

Hair breakage doesn't just affect your hair's length; it can also influence texture, shine, and overall hair health.

If not addressed, it can lead to thinning hair and a lack of volume, making your hair appear less vibrant and healthy.

Hair Breakage Treatments

Adopt Gentle Hair Care Practices

Harsh brushing and tight hairstyles are notorious hair breakage reasons. To prevent breakage, opt for a gentle approach.

Use a wide-toothed comb or detangling brush on wet hair and avoid pulling hair too tightly into ponytails or buns.

And if your comb runs into any knotted hair, patiently run the comb through it to untangle the hair.

Select the Right Hair Products

Choosing the right hair breakage shampoo and conditioner for your hair type is crucial.

Look for products fortified with niacinamide for hair strengthening and hypoallergenic shampoos if you have a sensitive scalp.

Also, incorporating a hair loss serum into your nightly routine can target the scalp directly, nourishing the roots and promoting healthier hair growth.

Shield Your Hair from Heat

Heat styling can be a major factor in hair breakage.

Protect your locks by using a pre-wash hair treatment and applying heat protectant products before styling.

When possible, let your hair air dry.

Regular Trims Are A Non-negotiable

Split ends can travel up the hair shaft if left unchecked, leading to more breakage.

Learn how to cut your hair at home as regular trims can keep ends healthy and prevent further damage.

Nourish Your Body for Your Hair

A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is a natural hair breakage treatment. Prioritise foods that are known to support hair health, like those high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and iron.

But don't underestimate the power of your mind in this equation.

Incorporating meditation for hair growth into your daily routine can also help manage stress levels, which is essential since high stress is a known contributor to hair thinning and loss.

How To Repair Damaged Hair

Embrace Deep Conditioning

Deep conditioning treatments are essential for hair breakage repair. They restore moisture and elasticity, making hair less prone to snapping.

Say No to Heat Styling

If you're serious about how to fix hair breakage on top of the head or anywhere else, it's time to take a break from heat styling.

Embrace your natural texture or find heat-free styling methods like heat-free curls.

Use Leave-In Treatments

Leave-in conditioners and hair oils can significantly reduce hair breakage top of head concerns by moisturising and strengthening the hair throughout the day.

Use More Protein

Protein treatments can temporarily fill in gaps in the hair cuticle, making strands stronger and more resilient against breakage.

While there's no one-size-fits-all hair loss cure, a combination of the right diet, haircare practices, and targeted treatments can significantly improve hair health and reduce shedding.

Natural Remedies for Hair Breakage

Mother Nature offers some of the best solutions for how to stop hair breakage naturally.

Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is known for its soothing and moisturising properties, making it an excellent remedy for improving hair strength and reducing breakage.

Coconut Oil: Rich in fatty acids, coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft to reduce protein loss and strengthen hair.

Amla Oil: Amla oil, derived from the Indian gooseberry, is revered for promoting hair health and strength, thanks to its rich nutrient profile.

Egg Mask: Eggs are packed with protein, which can help fortify the hair cuticle and prevent breakage.

Avocado Mask: Avocado is rich in vitamins and natural oils. Applying an avocado mask can help replenish moisture and prevent hair from breaking.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Hair

Choosing Shampoo and Conditioner Wisely

It's essential to select a shampoo and conditioner that match your hair's needs. Look for nourishing ingredients in hair breakage shampoos, such as keratin, oils, and whatnot.

For those with sensitive scalps, incorporating a hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner into your routine can significantly reduce irritation and prevent further hair breakage.

Comb With Care

Selecting the appropriate hair brush on hair type is crucial; using the wrong kind can exacerbate hair breakage and damage.

Just as with your washing products, the tools you use to detangle and style your hair should complement your hair's texture and condition to avoid unnecessary stress on your strands.

To avoid damage, always start detangling from the ends and work your way up to the roots.

Protect Your Hair from the Elements

Does the sun damage your hair? Absolutely.

Sun and chlorine can be detrimental to your hair health. Wear hats and use protective sprays to shield your strands.

Style Smarter, Not Harder

Find styling options that don't require heat to reduce the risk of breakage.

Additionally, for those seeking an instant solution to enhance their hair's volume, getting thicker hair using halo hair extensions can be a fantastic and non-damaging option to achieve that lush, full-bodied look.

Remember to choose good quality extensions and ensure they're applied correctly to avoid any strain on your natural hair.

Healthy Mind and Diet

Eating a diet full of vitamins and minerals supports not just your body, but also your hair. Beyond what we eat, our mental well-being is just as crucial.

Recognising the connection between stress and hair loss is pivotal, as managing stress through techniques like meditation, adequate sleep, and regular exercise can significantly improve hair health.

When our minds are at ease, our body, including our hair, reflects that tranquillity, leading to a more vibrant, healthy mane.

FAQs

How much hair loss is normal?

Losing 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal. If you're losing more than this, or are losing clumps every time you run your hands through your hair, it might be time to investigate further.

How can I stop hair breakage?

To stop hair breakage, adopt gentle hair care practices, use the right products, protect your hair from heat, and ensure you're eating a healthy diet.